Science
- Can plants talk and think? Some scientists say yes.
“The Light Eaters” gives insights into how plants communicate, while “Alien Earths” explores the search for intelligent life on other planets.
- First LookNASA: Astronauts stuck on ISS must wait for SpaceX ride home in 2025
After months of tests and debate, NASA decided test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will come back in a SpaceX capsule in February. Their empty Boeing Starliner capsule will attempt to return on autopilot in early September.
- First LookWhat’s old, long, and green? Meet Gnatalie, Los Angeles’ new dinosaur.
A 75-foot-long sauropod is the only green dinosaur fossil in the world and it’s on display in Los Angeles. Researchers discovered the bones in 2007 in the Badlands of Utah.
- ‘Hey Siri, can you win the AI race?’ How Apple Intelligence could be a game-changer.
Apple is diving into artificial intelligence – focused on the idea of a “virtual personal assistant.” Apple Intelligence will make Siri and some iPhone 15 models smarter – and perhaps spur sales of new gadgets.
- The ExplainerBoeing has seen a tide of bad headlines. It’s hoping for a reset with space launch.
Boeing plans to launch a crewed spaceflight to prove it can successfully transport astronauts to the International Space Station.
- First LookScientists recorded sperm whales. Their pod-casts offer hints on how they talk.
For years, researchers have tried to link sperm whales’ underwater clicks to the meanings they communicate. A new study of their codas could serve as the basis for future translations of their alphabet.
- First LookHey now, you’re a dead star. Meet Gaia, the Milky Way’s second-largest black hole.
A black hole named Gaia BH3, 33 times greater in size than the sun, was discovered 2,000 light years from Earth. The only other in our Milky Way galaxy, Sagittarius, is 26,000 light years away from Earth and traveling in the opposite direction.
- Some things are worth missing school for. An eclipse road trip, and a search for wonder.
Our reporter, like many parents, wanted his son to experience the wonder of a total solar eclipse. As so often happens with parenting, the one left most in awe by the celestial event was not the fifth grader.
- Howling at the moon on a Monday afternoon. Eclipse brings thousands to Vermont.
In a country seemingly fractured about most things, on Monday, Americans came together under one sky.
- Project ‘Frozen Dumbo’ helps boost dwindling African elephant populations
Factors such as poaching and habitat loss have decimated wild African elephant populations. Operation “Frozen Dumbo” aims to bolster the animals’ numbers in the wild and in zoos.
- The ExplainerA solar eclipse is coming April 8. Here’s what you need to know.
The total solar eclipse on April 8 will be visible to millions of Americans. Here’s a guide to how and where to watch it and what to expect.
- A sidewalk telescope in Madrid offers a glimpse into the night sky’s unknown
The stars have inspired wonder and contemplation from time immemorial. On Madrid’s sidewalks, one man is helping locals experience them today with a glimpse through his telescope.
- US back on moon, with difficult landing for first private-sector craft
The first lunar spacecraft landing by a private company – Houston-based Intuitive Machines – is a milestone. But technical challenges highlight the difficulty of space exploration.
- First LookCharlotte the stingray swims alone. So how is she suddenly pregnant?
A North Carolina aquarium announced that a stingray who has not been around a male companion in eight years is pregnant. Parthenogenesis, or asexual reproduction, is a rare phenomenon that can occur in some birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
- Politicians are embracing ‘Lord of the Rings.’ Tolkien had something different in mind.
- Cover StoryBeyond China’s shadow, Taiwan forges its own identity – and destiny
- The job market needs workers. The newest ones are over age 75.
- Cover StoryFlorida woman kills wild boar with mango. (This is not a meme.)
- Donald Trump for president? This time, Russia says, ‘No thanks.’